Israel strikes Beirut, targets Hezbollah drone sites

Israel carried out airstrikes on Thursday in the southern suburbs of Beirut, claiming to target underground facilities used by Hezbollah for drone manufacturing. The attack, launched on the eve of Eid al-Adha, was the first Israeli strike near the Lebanese capital in over a month.

According to Israeli military sources, eight buildings across four locations were struck. This marked the fourth such operation since a ceasefire brokered in November, which ended large-scale hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli air raids have continued almost daily in southern and eastern Lebanon—actions that Lebanese officials argue violate the truce. Israeli authorities defend the operations as essential to preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military infrastructure, especially its drone capabilities, which are reportedly supported by Iran.

Israel alleged that Hezbollah has been manufacturing thousands of drones under Iranian guidance and funding. These drones have been used in previous attacks and are being stockpiled for future use, according to military statements.

Hezbollah has not officially responded. However, a senior official denied that drone production facilities existed in the targeted areas and accused Israel of ignoring the conflict-resolution mechanisms outlined in the ceasefire. The official also suggested that Israel’s leadership was escalating tensions for political purposes.

A Lebanese army source said a request for a joint investigation into the strike sites was rejected by Israel. As a result, Lebanese forces withdrew from the area.

Lebanon’s President and Prime Minister strongly condemned the strikes. The president called the attack a "blatant violation of international agreements and humanitarian norms," particularly on the eve of a major religious holiday. He further accused Israel of using Lebanon to send a political message amid ongoing nuclear talks between the United States and Iran.

Israel’s defence minister praised the air force for executing what he called a precise operation and warned that Israel would enforce the ceasefire terms without compromise. He said the Lebanese authorities would be held responsible for preventing further violations.

Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah reignited on 8 October 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in support of Hamas during the Gaza war. By September 2024, the conflict had escalated into large-scale fighting.

More than 4,000 people, including civilians, have been killed in Lebanon since the outbreak of violence. Since the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes have left at least 190 dead and 485 injured.

Calls for Hezbollah to disarm have intensified, both domestically and internationally. However, the group has refused, insisting it will not disband until Israel halts its airstrikes and withdraws from five disputed areas along Lebanon’s southern border.